Carol Binder, Leading Pike Place Into Its Next 100 Years

Known as the “Soul of Seattle,” Pike Place Market draws more than 10 million visitors each year to its colorful stalls and lively streets, making it one of the most frequently visited destinations in all of Washington State. Founded in 1907, Pike Place is much more than a market and stands at the center of the 7-acre Market Historic District neighborhood. Join us in Norway next month where Carol Binder, Executive Director of the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority, will share the market’s unique formula for sustainability and success at the Waterfront Synopsis Conference on September 15th 2010, organized by Project for Public Spaces (PPS) and the Norwegian Urban Design Association (NUDA).

Pike Place Market is the center of a vibrant and historic Seattle neighborhood

A hub of activity for the whole Seattle region, Pike Place hosts over 200 year-round commercial businesses, 190 craftspeople and approximately 100 farmers who rent table space by the day. The economic and social impact of this market extends beyond its role as a place to buy and eat fresh, local food. Pike Place also provides many cultural and community services. The neighborhood’s streets are alive with more than 240 street performers and musicians. There’s also a daycare and more than 300 apartment units, most of which are dedicated as housing for low-income senior citizens.

Carol Binder

Pike Place began as a city-sponsored experiment to help local farmers sell their produce directly to consumers, the Market was a huge success and more stalls and permanent structures were quickly added to meet the growing needs of consumers and farmers.

Carol’s work ensures that in its modern incarnation, Pike Place continues as an authentic a place that is treasured by the community, attracting locals and tourists in equal numbers.

Carol’s long history with Pike Place began with an eight-year term on the Market’s governing Council in the 1990s, serving as Interim Executive Director in 1999. She has applied her more than 20 years of experience in finance and nonprofit development to enrich Pike Place as a sustainable community center and has overseen the construction of the neighborhood’s new, low-income senior housing and senior center. She was also behind the building and creation of the capital planning program, funded by a voter-approved tax levy in 2008.

Treasured by the community, Pike Place Market draws tourists and locals in equal numbers.

Carol’s innovative efforts have helped sustain Pike Place as a lively market with myriad associated benefits that invigorates an entire district.

Come learn from this inspiring development model next month in Stavanger, Norway, when Carol joins many other revolutionary Placemakers, like Eric Reynolds, to share their “out of the box” development strategies at PPS’ Conference in Stavanger, Norway. Register now for your chance to learn first-hand from pioneering experts in building great, sustainable places.

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